When inspecting the engine compartment, what is the first step one should take?

The first step in inspecting the engine compartment should involve opening it and turning on the kill switch. This process prioritizes safety by ensuring that the engine cannot accidentally start while you are performing the inspection. By engaging the kill switch, you significantly reduce the risk of injury, allowing you to safely examine the components without the concern of sudden engine activation.

While other inspections like checking the oil level, inspecting the battery condition, and ensuring the coolant is full are all important tasks in the engine compartment check, they should only be performed after the area is secured and safe to work in. Without first opening the compartment and engaging the kill switch, you leave yourself vulnerable to hazardous situations. Thus, starting with these actions sets the foundation for a thorough and safe inspection process.